A growing number of UK workers are holding down more than one job because what was once a side hustle to pursue a passion or provide a little extra cash has become a financial lifeline for many people. According to Employment Hero’s 2025 Annual Jobs Report, 21 percent of UK employees now work multiple jobs. The trend is especially marked among Gen Z, of whom 42 percent say they juggle more than one role just to make ends meet. The report, based on insights gathered from more than 350,000 small businesses and two million employees across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, plus a YouGov survey of 3,635 UK workers, highlights a workforce under pressure from cost-of-living challenges and a cooling labour market. Among full-time employees, 17 percent now also hold additional roles. Nearly a third (29 percent) of all workers surveyed say they have taken on extra hours to cope with rising everyday expenses. (more…)

New research from Reed suggests that the combined impact of artificial intelligence and rising National Insurance costs is contributing to a slowdown in the UK jobs market. The survey claims that 15 percent of employers said the adoption of AI had led them to reduce hiring, while 22 percent cited higher National Insurance contributions as a reason for cutting back. In total, around a fifth of organisations reported putting a freeze on recruitment. The findings coincide with official data from the ONS, which confirms continued weakness in the labour market. According to Reed’s own figures, job postings on its platform were down 18 percent year on year in August, while applications fell by 25 percent despite a modest rise in advertised salaries of 1.4 percent. (more…)

New research suggests that a growing number of younger workers in the UK are turning to second jobs as they struggle to manage everyday living costs. According to a poll from Boostworks, more than half of Gen Z workers and over 70 percent of Millennials are exploring ways to supplement their income, with many already taking on additional work outside their primary employment. The findings, based on a survey of 5,600 working adults, highlight the scale of financial strain facing the workforce, particularly among younger generations. (more…)

A new poll from the IPPR think tank claims that only 47 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds felt ready for work when they left education, compared with 60 per cent of over-26s. Despite more schools claiming that they offer high-quality work experience, two in five 18- to 24-year-olds have never completed any work experience and feel unprepared for work as a result. By contrast, earlier generations – those in their late 20s, 30s, and 40s – are significantly more likely to have done so. The report argues that the number of young people missing out on these opportunities could have implications for social mobility, with 60 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds agreeing that work experience opportunities usually rely on who you know, not what you know. (more…)